For the past several weeks I've allowed myself to indulge in a "summer fluff" approach to my reading choices. Usually I prefer to sit down with the classics, but every once in a while it's nice to just melt into an easy read and drift away.
I do believe, however, that I've been doing too much drifting.
There are times when the fiction infiltrates and I think it just might be time to step away. Perhaps you're the same way? You just might be. Especially if you've experienced any of the following side effects of literary indulgence:
1. You tend to name your pets after literary figures. We've never actually owned a cat, but we've named several of the neighborhood cats that hang out in our yard. Like Sir Walter (Jane Austen's Persuasion), Charlotte (Bronte, that is), and then the trio of kittens whom we named The Three Musketeers. We especially liked calling for D'Artagnan.
2. Friends ask what you've been up to, and your first instinct is to update them on Dayne and Katy. You stop yourself just in time. Dayne and Katy are not real people.
3. You think nothing of sitting in one spot for the entire day in order to read a book from cover to cover. What about the kids, you ask? Oh, just toss 'em a waffle if they get hungry.
4. Every time you head out the door, you grab a book. There just might be some free time at that red light.
5. You find yourself praying for the characters in your book. Don't laugh. I have at least two whole friends who've confessed to this tendency. We get so wrapped up in the story, so burdened by the hero's struggles, that we just have to take them to the cross. When I was reading Gone With the Wind a few summers ago, I felt very strongly that Scarlett needed Jesus. Everything would be just fine if she could just find Jesus. I stopped myself short of praying for her salvation.
Clearly, I need to get a grip.
Do you ever find yourself lost in a book and ignorant of reality? Please tell me I'm not the only one who gets so engrossed in a story that she throws waffles at her children.
As I patiently await your reply, I'll be curled up with a book, praying for my friends.
Yes, Julianna, Yes. I pray fervently for my book friends, read at red lights (and stop signs), am considering a kindle because my shoulder is tired of lugging books around everywhere I go, and I sometimes I'd prefer to sit down and chat about my book world more that I'd like to talk about the real world. Confession complete, and you are not alone. ;)
ReplyDeleteI knew we were kindred spirits, Sarah. I just knew it.
ReplyDeletehahahaha, I know the feeling. I loose myself often. But I found Jesus within the covers of fiction (so its not all bad). hahahahahaha. I'm sorry I can't stop laughing. I often tell my husband I need a day or two after I finishing a book because I am "grieving" the end.
ReplyDeleteI love it, Kristina! So glad I'm not the only one :). (And I can totally relate to the grieving process! I tend to wander around in a fog after I've finished a book.)
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